10. Tampa, Florida

This time of year, Tampa offer visitors easy access to beaches, a still-warm ocean and major tourist attractions that are off peak in terms of crowds, costs and high temperatures. Those are all good reasons to put Tampa on your October getaway must-go list. However, it's also worth noting that Tampa and its sister city, St Petersburg, like to throw a good party, especially if there are costumes involved. October is, of course, prime time for that. From Thrill Day (Oct. 27), a zombie dance party on the St Pete pier, to Necronomicon, the 31st annual "convention of science-fiction, fantasy and horror fans," to Ybor City's takes on Oktoberfest and Halloween (or Guavaween, as the adult-centric celebration is called), it seems like Mickey Mouse isn't the only character you might see this month in Central Florida. (Above: Florida Aquarium in Tampa.)

This time of year, Tampa offer visitors easy access to beaches, a still-warm ocean and major tourist attractions that are off peak in terms of crowds, costs and high temperatures. Those are all good reasons to put Tampa on your October getaway must-go list. However, it's also worth noting that Tampa and its sister city, St Petersburg, like to throw a good party, especially if there are costumes involved. October is, of course, prime time for that. From Thrill Day (Oct. 27), a zombie dance party on the St Pete pier, to Necronomicon, the 31st annual "convention of science-fiction, fantasy and horror fans," to Ybor City's takes on Oktoberfest and Halloween (or Guavaween, as the adult-centric celebration is called), it seems like Mickey Mouse isn't the only character you might see this month in Central Florida. (Above: Florida Aquarium in Tampa.)

This time of year, Tampa offer visitors easy access to beaches, a still-warm ocean and major tourist attractions that are off peak in terms of crowds, costs and high temperatures. Those are all good reasons to put Tampa on your October getaway must-go list. However, it's also worth noting that Tampa and its sister city, St Petersburg, like to throw a good party, especially if there are costumes involved. October is, of course, prime time for that. From Thrill Day (Oct. 27), a zombie dance party on the St Pete pier, to Necronomicon, the 31st annual "convention of science-fiction, fantasy and horror fans," to Ybor City's takes on Oktoberfest and Halloween (or Guavaween, as the adult-centric celebration is called), it seems like Mickey Mouse isn't the only character you might see this month in Central Florida. (Above: Florida Aquarium in Tampa.)